Demonstration of sperm head shape abnormality and clastogenic potential of cypermethrin

Adult male Swiss albino mice were administered ip. suspension solution of cypermethrin in 0.15% DMSO at the doses of 30 mg, 60 mg and 90 mg/kg b. wt. daily for 5 days. Another group of animals was injected cyclophosphamide ip. (60 mg/kg b. wt.) in similar manner which served as positive control. Effect of cypermethrin on body and testes weight and sperm head morphology was studied. Clastogenic potential of cypermethrin was studied by using modified Allium test. The cytological changes were studied in the root tip cells of Allium cepa after 3 days treatment with three different concentration of cypermethrin (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 microg/ml). The results revealed that body weight gain was considerably reduced in higher dose groups, but the testicular weight did not change significantly in any of the cypermethrin treated groups. However, a significant elevation in the number of abnormal shape of sperm head was noticed in higher dose groups as compared to control. It was observed that the abnormality in the shape of sperm head was dose-dependent. The cytological changes in the root tip cells of Allium cepa indicated that cypermethrin is having toxic effects on the root tip cells in the form of stickiness of chromosomes and also affect the mitotic activity. This study suggest that cypermethrin may have the potential to induce adverse effects on sperm head shape morphology of mouse as well as clastogenic effects on root tip cells of Allium cepa.     

DNA damage in mouse organs and in human sperm cells by bisphenol A

Abstract

The in vivo genotoxic potential of bisphenol A using the comet assay in mice and in human sperm cells in vitro without metabolizing enzymes was studied. Male mice were exposed by oral gavage to the following doses of bisphenol A (0 125, 250 and 500?mg/kg body weight). DNA damage was investigated in liver, kidney, testes, urinary bladder, colon and lungs cells. In testicular cells, a significant increase in DNA strand breaks was observed in the lowest, but not in the medium or highest dose groups. Histopathological investigation of the testicular samples did not show any treatment dose-related effects. No DNA strand breaks were observed in any of the other investigated tissues. In human sperm cells in vitro, bisphenol A did not induce DNA strand breaks.     

Metabolic dysregulation and inhibition of spermatogenesis by gibberellic acid in rat testicular cells

Enzymatic and histological change in the testicular cells of rats treated orally and intradermally for 45 days with gibberellic acid (GBA) in independent studies is reported. Assay of hexokinase (HK), acid phosphatase (AcP) and alkaline phosphatase (AkP) in rat testicular tissue homogenate preparations yielded results that suggested changes in these enzyme activities relative to their respective controls. Histological studies showed loss of germ cells, derangement of the germinal cells, and reduction in the size of the seminiferous tubules and dystrophy of Leydig cells. More importantly decreased sperm count in the lumen was observed. A dysregulatory role is thus established for GBA in rat testicular cell function. This compound may serve as an inhibitor of testicular cell function.     

Modulating effect of Phyllanthus fruit extract against lead genotoxicity in germ cells of mice

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of Phyllanthus emblica against clastogenicity induced by lead nitrate on the incidence of sperm head abnormalities in the germ cells of mice. At higher concentration of lead, a significant increase in the percentage of sperm head abnormalities was noted but when animals primed with Phyllanthus fruit extract (PFE), a reduction in the frequency of sperm head abnormalities was observed. It can be suggested from the above study that Phyllanthus emblica plays a key role in inhibition of heavy metal mutagenesis in mammals.     

Benzene-induced histopathological changes and germ cell population dynamics in testes of Sprague Dawley rats

Benzene has been considered as an occupational hematotoxin and leukemogen. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of oral administration of benzene on reproductive organs and testicular spermatogenesis in rats. Adult rats were divided into three weight matched groups (Gr. I-III) containing 6 each. Gr. I rats received vehicle only and served as control. Rats in Gr. II and III were fed orally with 0.5 and 1 ml kg(-1) dose of benzene for 14 and 9 days, respectively and autopsy was done on 15th and 10th day. Food and water intake and gross behavioral changes were recorded daily during the entire treatment. Results showed no significant change in reproductive organ weights viz. testis, epididymis and ventral prostate in benzene-treated (0.5 or 1 ml kg(-1)) rats than that in controls. But, caused a significant decrease (p < 0.005) in weights of seminal vesicles in rats treated with both 0.5 and 1 ml kg(-1) doses compared to control. In contrast, at higher dose (1 ml kg(-1)) of benzene, significant (p < 0.001) decline in body weight and 100% mortality was observed on day 10 of autopsy. In treated rats, testicular cytotoxicity was marked by multinucleated giant cells formation, cytoplasmic vacuolization, pyknosis of nuclei, chromatolysis, desquamation and dissolution of germ cells in tubular lumen. The quantitative analysis of spermatogenesis showed a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in number ofA-spermatogonia (in 1 ml kg(-1) dose only), primary spermatocytes (non-pachytene and pachytene) and spermatids (round and elongated) in treated as compared to control rats. The diameters of testicular tubules and Leydig cells nuclei were also significantly (p < 0.001) reduced in treated rats. A steady loss in food and water intake recorded and signs of ill health were observed in treated (0.5 or 1 ml kg(-1)) rats. Results of the study indicated antitesticular lantispermatogenic effects of benzene at 0.5 and 1 ml kg(-1) dose in rats.     

毒死蜱对雄性小鼠生殖毒性的影响

为研究毒死蜱对雄性小鼠生殖毒性的影响,利用不同浓度毒死蜱染毒小鼠.以昆明小鼠为受试动物,毒死蜱按3、6和12mg·kg-13个剂量水平,灌胃染毒小鼠7d.以睾丸组织匀浆测定活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)和还原型谷胱甘肽(glutathione,GSH)的含量;以睾丸细胞测定DNA-蛋白...     

An assessment of lead absorption from soil affected by smelter emissions

The purpose of this study was to assess the oral bioavailability of lead in soil collected from a former smelter site in Sandy, Utah, USA. Sprague-Dawley rats (approximately 4 weeks of age, 5 of each sex in group) were given either soil lead or lead acetate mixed in a purified diet (AIN-93G ) at four different concentrations for 31 consecutive days. Food consumption measurements were used to compute mean daily lead exposures for the soil lead and lead acetate groups. The lead acetate treatment yielded higher concentrations of lead in the blood and bone than the soil lead treatment. Mean blood lead values ranged from below the detection limit (3 g dL^–1) to 27.25 g lead dL^–1 for the lead acetate groups at dose levels of 0.10–2.91 mg lead kg body weight^–1 and from below the detection limit to 8.8 g lead dL^–1 for the soil lead groups at doses of 0.11–3.43 mg lead kg body weight^–1. At these same doses, mean bone values ranged from 0.52 to 26.92 g lead g^–1 for the lead acetate groups and from 0.64 to 13.1 g lead g^–1 for the soil lead groups. Relative per cent bioavailability was estimated by modelling the dose-blood concentration curves for the lead acetate treatment and the dosed soil lead treatment, and then comparing doses that produce an equivalent blood lead concentration. The ratio of the doses of lead acetate and soil lead that produced the same tissue response (i.e., concentration) provided an index of relative bioavailability. For lead, the bioavailability of soil lead relative to lead acetate was 41% at a blood concentration of 6 g lead dL^–1.     

Mechanisms enabling sperm economy in blenniid fishes

Sperm competition, cost of spermatogenesis and spawning frequency are known to influence ejaculate expenditure. Accordingly, males, particularly those with high reproductive costs, are expected to have evolved mechanisms enabling them to prudently allocate sperm, such as the fractioning of ejaculate expenditure or the semi-cystic type of spermatogenesis, hypothesised to favour the production of small ejaculates. In this study, we investigate sperm competition risk, ejaculate size and mode of ejaculate release in seven polygynous blenniid fish where males provide sole paternal care of eggs. In addition, we estimated the relative size of the two parts composing the male gonad, the strictly testicular (testicular lobules or testis) and the glandular (testicular gland), as the development of the latter is indicative of the level of semi-cystic spermatogenesis. In all the examined species, eggs were laid one by one, and the sperm expenditure at mating, evaluated as the total number of sperm released per mating, was parcelled out in several successive ejaculations, allowing males to adjust the release of sperm to the duration of egg deposition. In accordance with sperm competition theory, species experiencing higher sperm competition risk allocated more in sperm, both considering ejaculate size and ejaculate expenditure per mating. An increase in sperm expenditure was paralleled by the development of the testis at the expense of the testicular gland. Smaller species, whose males do not face sperm competition risk and fecundity is low, produced smaller ejaculates and exhibited a more developed testicular gland, supporting the hypothesis that a semi-cystic type of spermatogenesis is a mechanism allowing sperm economy.     

复方阿苯达唑/伊维菌素及其单药的体内外致突变性研究

农业生产上常用的阿苯达唑和伊维菌素均有一定的致突变性。为了解伊维菌素和阿苯达唑按1:24形成固定剂量复方的致突变性,以及复方和单药致突变性的差异,采用Ames试验、小鼠骨髓微核试验和小鼠精子畸变试验进行复方阿苯达唑/伊维菌素及其单药的致突变性研究。结果表明,复方阿苯达唑/伊维菌素能提高小鼠骨髓嗜多染红细胞的微核率和精子畸形率,但在单复方的比较中发现,单药的微核率和精子畸形率均高于复方,表明复方毒性有所降低。同时,无论是复方还是单药均不能提高组氨酸缺陷型沙门氏菌的突变率。以上表明,虽然复方阿苯达唑/伊维菌素致突变毒性低于单药,但仍然是一种能引起小鼠骨髓微核率和精子畸形率升高的致突变阳性药物,因此需警惕该药物的食品残留问题及对生态环境的危害。     

Testicular cellular toxicity of cadmium : transmission electron microscopy examination

It is clear that environmental heavy metals influence life systems and reproductive system. In the present study histological investigation revealed that cadmium was testicular toxicant in mice. Here we compared the fine-structure of spermatogenesis in two groups of mice (SWR), experimental and control. The experimental group underwent cadmium ingestion at 1 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks. The control group underwent ingestion of distilled water with equal dosages, using the same type of injectors, for 4-weeks. After cadmium exposure period both control and experimental groups were killed and samples of the testes were processed for microscopic examination. Ultra sections were examined and photographed by Transmission Electron Microscope (JEOL- 100SX) at 80KV. Ultrastructure examination revealed, vascular endothelial, interstitial, and sertoli cells damages. Early impairments of germinal cellular differentiation resulted in deformations in all parts of late spermatid. There were dislocation of accrosomal granules, nuclear damage associated with chromatin heterogeneity, detached spermatid from the apical process of sertoli cell, disarrangement of the mitochondria, abnormal oriented tail piece, and abnormal microtubules complex. These ultra morphological abnormalities relate to cell injury and to the resulting physiological abnormality, necrobiosis. Based on the results of this investigation it can be concluded that cadmium ingestion at 1000 microg/kg caused testicular toxicity and abnormalities in early sperm development.     

Effect of malathion on reproductive system of male rats

The pesticides are one of the most potentially harmful chemicals liberated in the environment in an unplanned manner Malathion is widely used as a potent pesticide in many countries and has been shown to produce some adverse health effects. A study was conducted to asses the effects of malathion on the male reproductive system of wistar rats. The pesticide was administered to rats orally at dose levels of 50, 150 and 250 mg/kg/body wt/day for 60 days. In comparison to the control rats, there was a significant reduction in the weight of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle and ventral prostate. Testicular and epididymal sperm density were decreased in the animals treated with malathion. Pre and post fertility test showed 80% negative results after treatment Biochemical profile of the testis revealed a significant decline in the contents of sialic acid and glycogen. Whereas a significant increase in the protein content of testis and testicular cholesterol was observed. The activity of testicular enzyme acid phosphatase increased significantly while decreased alkaline phosphatase activity was found. Malathion also suppressed the level of testosterone significantly Results of the present study clearly suggest that malathion induce toxic effects on the male reproductive system of rats.     

Interaction effects of lead on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of arsenic in the rat

Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) are common contaminants found in mine waste materials. For an evidence-based risk assessment, it is important to better understand the potential interaction of mixed contaminants; and this interaction study was investigated in an in vivo rat model. Following co-administration of a fixed dose of As^V as in sodium arsenate and different doses of Pb as lead acetate to Sprague–Dawley rats, blood arsenic concentration and bioavailability decreased. A decrease in As blood concentration when lead was co-administered was observed with increasing lead doses. Pharmacokinetic parameters for As in the blood showed faster absorption and elimination of this metalloid in the presence of Pb. The elimination half-life of As decreased from 67 days in As solo group to 27–30 with doses of Pb. Bioavailability of As was also decreased by 30–43 % in the presence of Pb. Decreased urinary excretion of Pb and tissue accumulation were also observed. It indicates lower absorption of As when co-administered with Pb. A probable explanation for these findings is that As co-administration with Pb could have resulted in the formation of less soluble lead arsenate. However, such an interaction between As and Pb could only explain about one-third of the variation when real mine waste materials containing both of these elements were administered to rats. This suggests that other effects from physical and chemical parameters could contribute to the bioavailability of arsenic in complex real environmental samples.     

Detection of lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity induced by aluminium (Al) and cobalt (Co) ions in barbunia root tip cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of different concentrations of Aluminium (Al) and Cobalt (Co) heavy metal ions on Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Barbunia (Fabaceae) root tips. We used the germination percentage (GP), root length (RL), weight gain (WG) and micronucleus (MN) frequency as indicators of cytotoxicity and correlated these data with statistical parameters. Additionally to the cytogenetic analysis, lipid peroxidation and DNA analyses were performed in root tips of barbunia seeds treated with Al and Co metals. The seeds were divided into five groups as control, Al and Co treatment groups. They were treated with 25 and 50 ppm doses of Al and Co during 7 days. The results indicated that there was an alteration in the GP, RL, WG and MN frequency depending on the treatment dose in the seeds exposed to Al and Co metal ions when compared with the controls. Al and Co metal ions at both the doses significantly reduced the GP, RL and WG in seeds of all the treatment groups. The highest GP was observed in seeds of the control group (in proportion as 96%). 25 and 50 ppm doses of Co and Al caused 30, 50 and 42, 64% decrease of seed germination, respectively. In the control group, the final weights of all the seeds increased about 1.31 g when compared to initial weight. The mean RL of control seeds were measured as 3.71 cm at the end of experimental period. In Co andAl groups, the final weights of seeds increased about 0.34 g and 0.19 g according to initial weight at 50 ppm dose, respectively But, Al and Co ions caused a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of MN. The highest frequency of MN was observed at 50 ppm dose of Al and least frequency of MN was observed at 25 ppm dose of Co. Besides, 25 and 50 ppm concentrations of Al and Co significantly enhanced the lipid peroxidation and caused an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels at both the doses. In roots treated with 25 and 50 ppm doses of Al, the increase of MDA was about 62 and 136% according to control, respectively In Co-treated roots, the increase of MDA was about 31 and 91% according to the control at 25 and 50 ppm doses, respectively The investigated parameters (except MN and MDA) were higher in the seeds exposed to Co than the seeds treated with Al. Moreover, it was observed that the yields of DNA in the seeds treated with Al andCo metals were lower than recorded in the controls. Hence, DNA yields exposed to Al and Co were run ahead on agarose gel according to the control group. The results of the present study indicate that Al and Co metal ions have toxic effects on barbunia root tip cells, and the selected parameters such as the GP, RL, WG, MN and MDA are very sensitive and useful biomarkers for biomonitoring these effects.     

PFOS青春期暴露对成年期雄性大鼠的生殖毒性

为探究青春期的PFOS暴露对成年后的SD大鼠的生殖毒性,对出生后第21天(PND21)的SD大鼠经口灌胃不同剂量的PFOS(5、10和20mg·kg~(-1)),连续染毒7d,在出生后第56天(PND56)时,对各染毒组SD大鼠的体质量、精子数量、血清中的睾酮浓度,以及睾丸间质细胞睾酮合成的相关基因mRNA水平进行了检测。结果显示,10mg·kg~(-1)剂量组大鼠体质量较对照组明显下降(P<0.01);精子数量在10mg·kg~(-1)和20mg·kg~(-1)剂量组明显降低(P<0.05);血清中睾酮浓度随着PFOS剂量的加大有明显下降的趋势,20mg·kg~(-1)剂量组显著低于对照组(P<0.05);类/胆固醇相关基因star和cyp11α1的mRNA表达水平明显下调。研究表明,青春期的PFOS暴露会导致睾酮合成途径中相关因子的功能缺失,破坏成熟睾丸间质细胞的功能,致使睾酮水平降低,并抑制精子生成,从而破坏生殖系统的功能。     

Rapid sperm evolution in the bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) subspecies complex

Spermatozoa are among the most variable animal cell types, and much research is currently directed towards explaining inter- and intraspecific variation in sperm form and function. Recent comparative studies in passerine birds have found associations between the level of sperm competition and both sperm length and sperm velocity. In species with sperm competition, postcopulatory sexual selection may shape the morphology of sperm as adaptations to the female environment. The speed of evolutionary change in sperm morphology at the species level is largely unknown. In this study, we analysed variation in sperm morphology among morphologically distinct and geographically isolated bluethroat subspecies in Europe. Consistent with previous studies, our analyses of mtDNA and nuclear introns suggest recent divergence and lack of lineage sorting among the subspecies. We found significant divergence in total sperm length and in the length of some sperm components (i.e. head and midpiece). There was a significantly positive relationship between pairwise divergences in sperm morphology and mitochondrial DNA, suggesting a role for genetic drift in sperm divergence. The magnitude of sperm length divergence was considerably higher than that in other geographically structured passerines, and even higher than that observed between several pairs of sister species. We hypothesize that the rapid sperm evolution in bluethroats is driven by sperm competition, and that strong postcopulatory sexual selection on sperm traits can lead to rapid speciation through reproductive incompatibilities.     

微纳尺度SiO2对雄性大鼠生殖功能损伤的实验研究

为了探讨纳米与微米尺度SiO2对雄性大鼠的生殖毒性作用,选择不同剂量的纳米SiO2(20～40nm)与微米SiO2(1～10μm)采用气管滴注方式对雄性Wistar大鼠分组染毒.于染毒5周后处死大鼠,检查附睾精子形态,并检测睾丸组织和血清中睾丸功能标志酶活性变化以及性激素含量的变化.结果表明:1)高、低剂量的纳米和微米SiO2染毒均可使大鼠发生程度不同的精子数量减少、精子活动率降低、精子畸形率升高;2)纳米SiO2染毒可使大鼠睾丸组织SDH、LDH和血清中ACP活性显著降低,而微米SiO2染毒对这些指标的影响不显著;3)纳米SiO2和高剂量微米SiO2染毒可使大鼠血清T和睾丸匀浆T浓度显著降低,而对血清LH没有显著影响;4)与微米SiO2相比,纳米SiO2对大鼠生殖功能的损伤有更严重的趋势,但相同剂量下,纳米SiO2和微米SiO2相比,各指标均无显著性差异.以上结果表明,微米和纳米尺度SiO2染毒均可使大鼠生殖功能产生损伤,使部分生殖功能指标发生显著变化;与微米SiO2相比,纳米SiO2对大鼠生殖功能的损伤有更严重的趋势.     

Effects of arsenic exposure during early postnatal period on Leydig cells of rat testis

The effects of sodium arsenite exposure from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND 14 on Leydig cells of Wistar rat testes were investigated at PND 15 and 21. Gross morphometric observations of testes did not reveal a significant change in the numerical density and volume of the testes in exposed animals compared to controls either at PND 15 or 21. However, there was significant decrease in testicular weight at PND 21 in treated animals. Measurement of nuclear area of Leydig cells revealed a decrease in nuclear area of these cells in exposed groups at PND 15 and 21. A significant decrease in the total number of Leydig cells was apparent at PND 21 in the treated group. The observations of the present study are indicative of adverse effects on rat testes Leydig cells following exposure to low doses of sodium arsenite during critical window periods. The persistence of these observations at PND 21 is suggestive of irreversible damage to testicular tissue.     

Bromobenzene-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats: the protective effect of flaxseed

The metabolites of bromobenzene (BB) are hepatotoxic. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of different doses of flaxseed extract in alleviating BB-hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. Oxidative stress parameters, drug metabolizing enzymes, a pro-inflammatory marker, an apoptotic marker, and DNA fragmentation pattern were also assessed. Animals were divided into five groups treated by intragastric intubation as follows: control, BB-treated 460?mg?kg^?1?BW alone; three animal groups (III, IV, V) were treated concurrently with 460?mg?kg^?1 BB daily for 3 weeks and different doses of flaxseeds extract: 100, 200, or 300?mg?kg^?1?BW. Oral treatment of BB produced a significant decrease in activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and glutathione levels, while activities of glutathione reductase and drug-metabolizing enzymes; glutathione-S-transferases and cytochrome P450 were enhanced. BB-treatment resulted in enhanced production of nitric oxide and activation of COX-2 and caspase-3. Pre-treatment with different doses of flaxseeds extract prior and during BB-treatment protected liver against BB-induced hepatotoxicity. The lower dose of flaxseed extract (100?mg?kg^?1) was most effective one.     

Bisphenol S induces oxidative stress and DNA damage in rat spermatozoa in vitro and disrupts daily sperm production in vivo

Bisphenol S has been introduced into some industrial applications and it may act as a xeno-estrogen that can alter endocrine functions and reproduction. The present study was carried out to examine the effect of bisphenol S exposure on oxidative stress, generation of reactive oxygen species, and DNA integrity in rat spermatozoa in vitro and daily sperm production and sperm DNA damage in vivo. Sperm were incubated with bisphenol S at concentrations of 0.5, 1, 10, and 100 µg/L. At the highest concentration, bisphenol S induced formation of reactive oxygen species, caused lipid peroxidation, affected superoxide dismutase levels, and increased DNA fragmentation. Adult rats were exposed to doses of 0.5, 5, 25, and 50 µg/kg/d for 28 days. Decrease in daily sperm production and an increase in sperm DNA damage was observed at the highest dose in the 50 µg/kg/d treated group, but sperm motility was not reduced.     

Bigger testes do work more: experimental evidence that testis size reflects testicular cell proliferation activity in the marine invertebrate,the free-living flatworm<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Macrostomum</Emphasis> sp.

Evolutionary theory predicts that more resources are allocated to sperm production when sperm competition is high. This prediction is supported by both comparative and experimental data on static measures of male allocation, such as testis and ejaculate size. However, resource allocation is a dynamic process, and it is therefore important to evaluate if the static measures reflect this. Such an evaluation has to our knowledge never been done. Immunocytochemical labelling with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) allows visualisation of cells in S-phase. BrdU becomes incorporated into cells if, and only if, they are actively undergoing DNA duplication, which is a dynamic process. The number of BrdU-positive cells in the testis can hence serve as a dynamic measure of male allocation, i.e. testicular activity. We evaluate the relationship between testis size and testicular activity in the marine flatworm Macrostomum sp. In a previous study, we showed that testis size is phenotypically plastic in this species, and that worms make larger testes when they are raised in larger groups. We use this plasticity to experimentally produce variation in testis size, and demonstrate that larger testes are associated with higher testicular activity. Moreover, testis size and testicular activity were related linearly. We have thus, for the first time, shown that testis size is a good measure of resource allocation to the male function. Moreover, increased testicular activity is probably one of the first steps in the upregulation of sperm production. It is thus expected that testicular activity is a more sensitive measure of short-term variation in male allocation than the commonly used static measures.Communicated by N. Wedell